Cricket: Taylor's warning a big threat to rivals; I can get even better - champion.

Byline: by JAMES PEARCE 

PHIL TAYLOR has issued a chilling warning to his rivals ahead of tonight's opening round of the 2009 Whyte & Mackay Premier League at the ECHO arena by insisting: "I can get even better."

The 14-time world champion, who is widely regarded as the greatest player in the sport's history, is relishing the chance to entertain an 8,000-strong crowd and he goes into his clash with Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld on the back of a 23-match unbeaten run.

'The Power' clinched the inaugural Players Championship crown at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet last weekend and has won every PDC televised tournament since last June.

But the 48-year-old from Stoke believes there is room for improvement and now has his sights set on a fifth successive Premier League crown.

"I'm playing okay at the moment and I'm happy with the way things are going, but I think I can get even better," he said.

"I'm not happy the way I am and that's why I practice two or three hours every day to try to improve myself.

"I'm always after perfection and that's why I'll keep going.

"I love the challenge. I enjoy everything about the sport and as you get older you appreciate your career even more.

"My hunger to succeed is as strong as it's ever been and I'm going to be here for at least another five years. I'll be on a zimmer frame still up there playing!"

Taylor has happy memories of last year's visit to Liverpool when he thrashed 'Barney' van Barneveld 8-2.

He has never lost to the Dutchman in the Premier League and beat him 7-1 last month in the final of the World Championship at Alexandra Palace.

"It's great to be back in Liverpool because last year's round here was one of the best nights we had in the Premier League," Taylor said.

"The atmosphere was unbelievable and it was the biggest crowd there had been for darts in this country for a long time. It was buzzing and hopefully it will be like that again.

"I'm really looking forward to playing Barney again. If you can't get up for a game like this then you shouldn't be playing the sport.

"We've had some great games in the past and it's always exciting when we play each other.

"No matter who's playing well or badly, there's always something a bit special - it's like when Liverpool play Everton.

"He brings the best out in me and it's a great way to begin the new Premier League season."

Taylor has enjoyed a remarkable revival since the early months of 2008 when his form dipped alarmingly.

He lost three of his opening four games in last year's Premier League but roared back to take the pounds 100,000 first prize. A new fitness regime helped Taylor get back on track.

He said: "I remember one of the other players saying one night 'I hope I draw Taylor because he's rubbish'.

"I thought 'right I'll show you' and I love the way I've come back from that short spell.

"I just went back to the practice board and put things right.

"I also really got into fitness last year and shed a load of weight which helped. This year I'm doing it nice and steady. I get to the gymmost days and I do a lot of swimming.

"I'm getting a bit old nowso I can't be doing with those treadmills and all that jogging business."

The first match tonight will see new world number two James Wade take on Canadian John Part.

Newcomer Jelle Klaasen then faces Terry Jenkins in a battle of 'The Matador' and 'The Bull'.

Another Premier League debutant, Mervyn King, meets Wayne Mardle in the third game before Taylor and van Barneveld take centre stage.

There are a small number of tickets still available for tonight from the ECHO arena box office or call 0844 8000 400. The action starts at 7pm and is being broadcast live on Sky Sports.

CAPTION(S):

TOP LINE-UP: James Wade, Wayne Mardle, Terry Jenkins, John Part, Phil 'The Power' Taylor, Raymond Van Barneveld, Mervyn King, Jelle Klaasen outside the ECHO arena. Inset left: Phil 'The Power' Taylor reads the ECHO Pictures: COLIN LANE